However, Attar of Paradigm Sports Management, who is believed to have paid a important role in finalising the deal for the Vegas fight, has assured fans that McGregor will back in the octagon and could do so before the end of the year.

"Conor is a very ambitious young man. That's the the two key words - young man," Attar told Monday's MMA Hour.

"He has a lot more that he wants to accomplish athletically and as a business man, so he definitely wants to fight again in MMA."

"If all things go well and he feels good, it could potentially happen before the end of the year. There's no guarantees, but it's definitely within his plans to come back and compete again in the UFC."

This confirmation of McGregor's future intentions leaves open the possibility of a third fight with Nate Diaz, while fights with Tony Ferguson, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Max Holloway have all been mooted.